TWO firms have admitted health and safety breaches over the death of a joiner in a fall almost four years ago.

Peter Walton, 55, died in June 2006, after scaffolding collapsed at an East Lancashire building site.

Hyndburn Magistrates heard that the accident was a result of a loose nut in scaffolding Mr Walton was working on at the development site at the Altham Industrial Estate.

Now, two firms have admitted their parts in failing to ensure the safety of the father-of-two and grandfather-of-four.

In the Health and Safety Executive prosecution, Glen Mill Group Developments Ltd, of Lomeshaye Business Village, Nelson, and Howorth Scaffolding Services Ltd, of Accrington Road, Hapton, pleaded guilty to exposing Peter Walton to health and safety risks while working at height.

They will be sentenced next month and could be hit with large fines.

Mr Walton suffered severe head injuries in the incident and was in a coma for five-and-a-half weeks.

He was airlifted to hospital from the scene but never regained consciousness and died from massive brain injuries in the arms of Christine, his wife of 18 years, surrounded by family and friends.

Yesterday Mrs Walton said she was ‘relieved’ that the firms had admitted their parts.

She said: “I don’t think I could have gone through a trial so I am glad the companies have pleaded guilty.

“Despite the incident being almost four years ago it is still very raw and until everything is sorted out it will still feel like it happened yesterday.”

During today’s short hearing Mark Turner, representing Glen Mill Group, said: “This unhappy accident took place as a result of a nut not being adequately tightened. "Whatever our level of care it is unlikely we would ever have spotted it.”

Lawyers for Howorth Scaffolding did not make a statement at the hearing.